The Duke of Kent’s meeting in Midhurst

There was a Royal opening in Midhurst on Friday 3rd October as The Duke of Kent paid a flying visit to the area, where he officially opened the South Downs National Park authority headquarters in North Street.

Upon The Duke’s arrival to Midhurst he was given a tour of the newly refurbished headquarters by the park chairman Margaret Paren and its chief executive Trevor Beattie.

After his tour of the freshly restored building, Prince Edward met with members of the local community including some of the local schoolchildren from Easebourne and Midhurst Primary Schools. The children were there to meet The Duke whilst also planting and caring for flower beds in front of the new South Downs centre.

It wasn’t just the children who were getting their fingers dirty though, The Duke of Kent was also on hand to plant a Sussex Mother apple tree in the garden after which he conducted the usual Royal plaque unveiling, a plaque that eventually will be hung in the reception of the new building.

Margaret Paren spoke highly of the Royal visit, “We’re very proud to welcome His Royal Highness to our new home and share with him the work we are doing in partnership to care for the national park and help more people to enjoy and understand it.”

The Duke of Kent is a grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary hence making him a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke regularly carries out Royal duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, while his wife, The Duchess of Kent, retired from her duties several years ago. The Duke holds close associations with many charities, professional bodies and other organisations.
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